The Saddest of Times
A Poem by Emanuele Spud Grandi
They tell you that it’s just a dog, not a human being.
They tell you that the pain will be over.
They tell you that the animals don’t know that they have to die.
They tell you that it’s important not to let him suer.
They tell you that you can have another one.
They tell you it’s going to happen to you.
They tell you that there is more pain.
But they don’t know how many times you’ve looked into your dog’s eyes.
They don’t know how many times you and your dog have looked into darkness alone.
They don’t know how many times your dog was the only one who was by your side.
They don’t know how much fear you have at night when you wake up with your grief.
They don’t know how many times your dog slept near you.
They don’t know how much you’ve changed since the dog has become a part of your life.
They don’t know how many times you hugged him when he was sick.
They don’t know how many times you’ve acted like you didn’t see his hair getting whiter.
They don’t know how many times you’ve talked to your dog, the only one who really hears.
They don’t know that it was just your dog who knew you were in pain.
They don’t know what it feels like to see your old dog trying to get up to say ‘hello.’
They don’t know that if things went wrong, the only one who didn’t go is your dog.
They don’t know that your dog trusts you every moment of his life, even in the last.
They don’t know how much your dog loved you and how it is enough for him to be happy,
because you loved him.
They don’t know that crying for a dog is one of the most noble, significant, true, purest and
warm things you can do.
They don’t know about the last time you moved him with trouble… making sure it didn’t hurt
him.
They don’t know what it felt like to pet their face in the last moments of their life….
In Memory of all those who went over the rainbow bridge. You all have a place forever in our
hearts.
Emanuele Grandi’s touching poem dedicated to our four-legged companions
“If you are afraid that you have given me few caresses, you should know that I
have not forgotten even one.”
If you regret scolding me even once, you must know that I don’t even remember
it.
If you think you’ve left me alone for too long, you must know that I’ve always
been waiting for you.
If you fear that you have devoted little time to me, you should know that I, even
that little, have enjoyed every moment.
If you think you’ve played low with me, you must know that I’ve never counted
the times you’ve thrown the ball at me.
If you think I’ve forgotten your perfume, you should know that even now I’m
smelling it in the wind.
If you wanted to be reborn in another life, you must know that I would like to be
your dog in that one too.
If you are convinced that you have some flaws, you should know that for me you
have been the perfect person.
If you think love can have an end, you must know that in my heart the place of
love is infinite.
If you think you have regrets about me, you must know that I wouldn’t change
one second of the life I’ve spent with you.
If you think I no longer hear your voice when you call, just trust the evening
breeze the task of bringing your words to me.
If you think I can forget your face, you must know that I wanted to live just to
enjoy your look.
If you think I could have loved someone more than you, you must know that I
have loved you more than I loved myself.
If you think I’d like a soft sofa, just know that I would have slept on rocks with
you too.
If you think I wanted more than you gave me, you must know that I have always
felt like the happiest dog in the world.
If you’ve ever felt lonely, you must know that I’ve never left my place next to
you.
If you think my life has been short, you must know I wouldn’t want to live
another minute if I hadn’t spent it by your side.
If you’re afraid that I’m no longer close to you, know that as soon as you close
your eyes I’ll fall asleep next to you.
If you think you haven’t made the right decision, you must know that I’ve always
trusted you.
Always.
If you ever dream of seeing me again, you must know I’ll be there waiting for you.
As I have always done. ”